Pakistan probes al-Qaida link to Massacre: "Pakistani authorities raised the possibility Saturday that Taliban fugitives and their al-Qaida allies carried out a massacre of 44 Shiite Muslims at a mosque in this southwest Pakistani town across the border from Afghanistan."

Airfield in Iraq Was Site of WWII Battle: "MiG-21 jets rust away where biplanes once stood ready, and American troops now patrol its grounds. But Habaniyah airfield has changed little since 1941, when it was the scene of a decisive battle for British control of the Middle East. (AP)"

Cleric Wants Bigger U.N. Role in Iraq: "The United Nations should play a larger role in helping form a new Iraqi government that would eventually usher out U.S.-led occupying forces, a senior Shiite Muslim cleric said in this holy city Friday. (AP)"

U.S. Troops in Iraq Make Most of July 4th: "U.S. soldiers observing Independence Day held barbecues at bases across Iraq on Friday and celebrated along with Kurdish allies, who are also marking the anniversary of the establishment of their first government. (AP)"

Saddam tape, violence sours Independence Day for US troops in Iraq: "American hopes for a "grand style" US Independence Day for troops in Iraq were shattered by more deadly violence and the broadcast of a tape purported to be of Saddam Hussein warning that cells of fighters had been established throughout the country to fight coalition forces. (AFP)"

Voice said to be Saddam airs on Arab TV: "A voice purported to be Saddam Hussein's, aired on the Arab television station Al-Jazeera on Friday, said he is in Iraq directing attacks on American forces and called on Iraqis to help the resistance against the U.S.-led occupation."

US forces release Shiite Muslim leader in Iraq: "US troops released a Shiite Muslim leader in this town northeast of Baghdad, a day after his detention sparked a protest by thousands of his supporters, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. (AFP)"

Voice purported to be Saddam airs on TV: "A voice purported to be Saddam Hussein's aired on the Arab television station Al-Jazeera on Friday, saying he is still in Iraq and vowing more attacks on Americans."

Voice purported to be Saddam airs on TV: "A voice purported to be Saddam Hussein's aired on the Arab television station Al-Jazeera on Friday, saying he is still in Iraq and vowing more attacks on Americans."

U.S. troops kill 11 Iraqi ambushers: "U.S. troops killed 11 Iraqis who ambushed a convoy on a highway north of Baghdad Friday, hours after mortar rounds slammed into a U.S. base in the same area, injuring 18 American soldiers, the military said."

Liberian president may step down: "Liberia's besieged President Charles Taylor said Friday he would step down, but only after an international peacekeeping force is deployed to his west African nation, and he said the United States should send troops."

Palestinians protest Gaza arrests: "Palestinian security forces arrested militiamen accused of violating a truce with Israel, the first such arrests under a U.S.-backed peace plan, prompting a protest by gunmen, who marched in the street and fired volleys into the air."

3 missing after Texas fireworks explosion: "Authorities on Friday searched for three fireworks company employees missing after a series of explosions destroyed half their warehouse, injuring at least three people and destroying nearby homes."

Bush celebrates with troops for Fourth: "President Bush celebrates the Fourth of July by mixing a patriotic tribute to the troops and their role in protecting freedom with recognition of the centennial of flight in the hometown of airplane inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright."

Attacks Leave U.S. Soldier Dead, 10 Hurt: "Mortar rounds slammed into a U.S. base north of Baghdad, wounding at least 10 American troops, and a U.S. soldier was killed in a convoy attack in the capital, the military said Friday. (AP)"

One United States soldier serving in Iraq has been killed and at least 19 wounded in two separate attacks, the US military says. One serviceman from the First Armoured Division was shot dead in Baghdad on Thursday night, when his Bradley vehicle came under sniper fire. In the second attack, mortar rounds were fired at a US military base near the town of Balad, north of Baghdad.

Democracy, Whiskey, Se- OOOPS!: "From today's " Winds of War " briefing, over at Winds of Change.NET: U.S. authorities discovered that the acronym of the reconstituted Iraqi army, the New Iraqi Corps, is an Arabic slang word for fornication. The name has been changed to the New Iraqi Army. (Hat Tip: The Week magazine)"

Iraq Democracy Watch: "Call me Cassandra... The Bush administration isn't able to keep a lid on the facts surrounding our needing more support in Iraq. The Financial Times reports that, "diplomats and analysts believe Washington is struggling to put together sufficient numbers [of troops] to tackle a military and political undertaking that was severely underestimated." The article then goes on to list the military powerhouses that we are trying to enlist for help, such as Lithuania, Romania, Mongolia and Fiji. In a disturbing turn, indicating that events may well eventually just spiral out of our control, the UK Times OnLine reported that Ayatollah Mohammad Baqr al-Hakim, head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), "yesterday warned US-led forces in Iraq that he is prepared to use force against them if they do not return Iraq to the Iraqis."

"We call for using the legal and peaceful methods in order to put an end to this invasion and occupation, by using at first the peaceful methods and ways," he told The Times in the holy city of Najaf. "If this will not give success, then we will think about other methods."

To understand the significance of this, remember that Hakim was on the original seven-member advisory board that the US had put together to help kick-start a political transition in the country. And that his group has repeatedly renounced violence, and even continues to do so for the time being. Oh, and that SCIRI has a 10,000 man armed branch, all trained. "

Attacks in Iraq injure eight U.S. troops: "An Army truck hit an explosive west of Baghdad on Thursday injuring six U.S. soldiers, and assailants in the capital wounded two other American soldiers in separate attacks, U.S. military officials and witnesses said."

U.S. forces have found documents that could lead shortly to 'breakthrough' news about Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s weapons of mass destruction, Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, back from visiting Iraq (news - web sites), said July 3, 2003, but Democrats on the trip seemed less convinced. Sen. John Warner (C), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (news - web sites), speaks to reporters in Baghdad July 1, 2003 with members of the Senate panels on Armed Services and Intelligence including Carl Levin (2nd L), Pat Roberts (R) and John D. Rockefeller (2nd R). Photo by Faleh Kheiber/Reuters

War Blog updatesPalestinian police march into Bethlehem,: "Israeli troops killed a militant and Palestinians fired shells at an Israeli settlement in Gaza, the first violence since Palestinian security took control of Bethlehem in the latest step along the "road map" plan to end 33 months of fighting."

Analyst: Iraqi WMD Evidence Often Lacking: "Current, reliable information on Iraq's weapons efforts was sometimes lacking but U.S. intelligence analysts did not exaggerate their findings under pressure from Bush administration officials trying to build a case for war, says Richard Kerr, who is heading the intelligence community's internal review of its prewar performance on Iraq. (AP)"

War blog iraq\war updatesPalestinians take control in Bethlehem: "A Palestinian flag fluttered in Manger Square as Palestinian police marched into Bethlehem Wednesday, taking control of the ancient West Bank city after Israel withdrew under a U.S.-backed peace plan."

A fatal explosion at a mosque in the Iraqi town of Falluja was caused by a bomb-making class, the US military has said. Local residents have blamed the blast, which killed nine people, on a US missile attack, saying aircraft had been heard overhead just beforehand. The US denies this version of events, saying investigations by the military and the Fallujah police had exonerated US military forces of any involvement. The flashpoint town, 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Baghdad, has been the scene of regular attacks on US troops since clashes with the local population in April in which the Americans killed at least 15 people.[...] "The explosion was apparently related to a bomb manufacturing class that was being taught inside the mosque," US Central Command said in a statement.

The United States and Britain have insisted they will not pull out of Iraq, despite attacks on their troops. On a visit to Iraq, UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the incidents had increased London's and Washington's determination to root out remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime and his Baath party. Mr Straw's comments echoed US President George W Bush's pledge on Tuesday to meet attacks with "direct and decisive force".

A US soldier stands guard as former Iraqi government employees hold a rally to deman back pay outside the former Presidential Palace which now houses the US administration office in Baghdad, Iraq (news - web sites) Wednesday July 2, 2003. The employees lost their jobs following the fall of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) to coalition forces. (AP Photo/Ali Haider)

Majority in US believes Bush 'stretched truth' about Iraq: poll: "For the first time since the beginning of the war in Iraq, a solid majority of Americans believe the Bush administration either "stretched the truth" about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction or told outright lies, according to a new opinion survey. (AFP)"

Final details set for Bethlehem handover: "Israeli and Palestinian leaders promised painful concessions at a summit that raised hopes of ending nearly three years of violence, and the two sides worked out final details to put Bethlehem back under Palestinian control."

U.S. Tells Iraqi Towns to Stop Insurgents: "Shrouded in early morning mist, U.S. tanks, Humvees and Apache helicopters roared into the town of As Sadah to deliver a message: Don't let insurgents use your town to attack American forces. (AP)"

Former U.S. Army Chief Warns of Long Haul in Iraq: "A former four-star U.S. army general wholed a major and controversial attack during the liberation ofKuwait in 1991, warned on Tuesday that U.S. troops could belocked into Iraq for the next decade. (Reuters)"

Iraq Attacks Wound U.S. Troops, Imam Dies After Blast: "Six American soldiers were wounded inIraq Tuesday and a group of visiting senators said there couldbe more attacks on U.S. troops after a fatal blast at a mosquefueled Muslim anger with the occupying forces. (Reuters)"

Israeli-Palestinian summit sends hope: "Bitter enemies not long ago, the Israeli defense minister and Palestinian security chief chattered away like old friends Tuesday, sending a picture of hope in the effort to end 33 months of violence."

Bush: No return to tyranny in Iraq: "With public optimism about the war slipping, President Bush on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to Iraq, saying that resistance fighters pushing the U.S. death toll ever higher will not force America out of the nation before freedom takes root."

Firms Line Up for Corporate Invasion of Iraq: "U.S. and foreign companies swarmedto a private investors conference on Iraq on Tuesday seekingbusiness opportunities in a tight post-war market so fardominated by big U.S. firms. (Reuters)"

Bush sets no timetable for Iraq withdrawal: "Two months after declaring "victory" in Iraq, President George W. Bush worked to shore up eroding US support for what he described as the open-ended mission of building democracy there. (AFP)"

Sharon, Abbas renew Mideast peace push: "Standing side by side, the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers rededicated themselves Tuesday to peace efforts and spoke of a shared future for their peoples, using conciliatory language not heard here in three years."

Final details set for Bethlehem handover: "Israeli and Palestinian leaders promised painful concessions at a summit that raised hopes of ending nearly three years of violence, and the two sides worked out final details to put Bethlehem back under Palestinian control."

U.S., British vow to stay course in Iraq: "U.S. and British politicians vowed to stay the course in Iraq, despite an insurgency and daily attacks on coalition troops that have led some to fear a political and military quagmire."

Three killed in Missouri plant shooting: "An employee shot and killed three co-workers and wounded four others at a manufacturing plant on the capital city's outskirts, then drove downtown and killed himself during an exchange of gunfire with an officer near police headquarters, authorities said."

Baylor player feared threats, reports say: "Before he disappeared three weeks ago, missing basketball player Patrick Dennehey told a friend he was concerned about threats to his safety and fired guns with his roommate that the two had acquired for protection, according to newspaper reports."

Injured photographer dims Marlins triumph: "Darren Bragg was visibly shaken. Mike Lowell was in no mood to celebrate. A forgetful night for the Atlanta Braves and a record-setting one for the Florida Marlins were afterthoughts when a photographer was hospitalized after getting hit by an errant bat, leading to significant bleeding."

U.S. weighs aid to Palestinian Authority: "Pleased with the performance of Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and his new finance minister, the Bush administration is considering a resumption of direct aid to the Palestinian Authority - with a big boost to help strengthen its security forces."

Pentagon Working on Iraq Troop Needs: "Amid renewed violence in Iraq, the Pentagon is trying to figure out how many postwar troops should stay and when it can bring home some of the longest-serving. (AP)"

Mideast officials look like old friends: "Bitter enemies not long ago, the Israeli defense minister and Palestinian security chief chattered away like old friends Tuesday, sending a picture of hope in the effort to end 33 months of violence."

Few al-Qaida ties seen in Iraq arrests: "U.S. forces in central Iraq have detained a handful of people suspected of ties to al-Qaida, but American intelligence officials describe them as mostly low-level operatives with unclear purposes in the country."

No signs U.S. considering force vs. Iran: "There are no signs the United States is about to use force to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. And even if the Bush administration were so inclined, its closest allies might not go along."

US troops have come under fresh attack in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, with reports saying at least three soldiers were injured. In one incident in central Baghdad, a military vehicle was wrecked, apparently by a rocket-propelled grenade. Reports from the scene quoted eyewitnesses as saying three soldiers and one other person were killed, but several hours later there was no confirmation from the American authorities.

Iraq Democracy Watch: "We really know how to pick 'emThe Financial Times reports that Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the highest ranking Shia cleric in Iraq, and the most apolitical, has called for an Iraqi elected body to draft a constitution. The idea would be that "all Iraqi communities should nominate representatives to attend a national conference in Baghdad that would elect an Iraqi government and convene a constitutional council." This is NOT what Paul Bremer, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), wants at all, of course. He wants a U.S.-appointed advisory council, instead. And some sort of conference on writing up a constitution with the help of American advisors who would draft the first version. Given that Ayatollah Sistani is seen as being the most supportive of the Shi'ite clerics of the American presence, and the least likely to get involved with politics, AND that he is by far the most influential Shi'ite religious figure, his pronouncement no doubt highlights the fact that if there is anything that the various Iraqi leaders agree on, it is that they all want Iraq to be moving far faster towards a democracy than the Americans are willing to permit. Meanwhile, the Middle East On-Line says today that:

US troops patrolling the holy Shiite Muslim city of Najaf heap praise on Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for having used his community standing to foster a smooth coexistence between the people and coalition forces. "The most important aspect why this city is so stable is that we have someone like Ayatollah Sistani," said Marine Major Rick Hall...

Too bad we had to arrest the mayor we installed in that very city after we cancelled the elections (see previous post ). The NYT reports that, "Accusations against the governor include kidnapping, holding hostages and pressuring government employees to commit financial crimes." After admitting that we made a bad mistake because "actually trying to judge who was who in Iraq, what people's character was based on past performance, was always going to be difficult..." we have decided nonetheless to choose a new governor from a local council, the members of which were all also appointed by the Americans. I can see why Ayatollah Sistani is a bit skeptical of Mr. Bremer's approach on the national level. "

Spinning the War -- Still: "Seems like support for the war in Iraq is starting to slip. A CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll shows that public support for the war is now at 56 percent, down from 73 percent in April. That means current support for the war is just about where it was in early January (53 percent) when the White House was making its case for the campaign."

Troops Hit With Bombs & Blame: "American soldiers came under fire again in Iraq, both from insurgent fighters and civilian critics. Grenades hit U.S. vehicles in two attacks, and five Iraqis died in a mosque blast that some blamed on U.S. bombing."

Explosion at Mosque Kills Five Iraqis: "A massive explosion destroyed a mosque in this restive town, killing at least five Iraqis and injuring four others, witnesses and officials said Tuesday. The blast raised tensions in a region already simmering with anti-American activity. (AP)"

"There is a debate," the mayor says. "When you go to the street, people say: 'We are against the Americans.' But sheikhs, imams, and educated people say: 'Don't hurt the Americans, because that hurts us, too.'" Mayor Hamid even presided over a meeting last Friday during which religious leaders in Fallujah "agreed that it was no longer allowed to shoot Americans in the city, and instead to work with the Americans. All of them agreed." That shifting attitude reflects the results of a first-ever poll of Iraqis, reported by CBS earlier this month, that nearly two-thirds of Baghdad residents want US forces to stay until Iraq is stable and secure, and that only 17 percent want US troops to go home immediately. Iraqis say that result is accurate, but by default: While they are grateful the US has removed Saddam Hussein, and note that US troops are now critical to reestablishing yearned-for security, they still don't approve of their stay here. "They are occupiers," says Fallujah truck driver Nouri Khalil, clicking his small wooden prayer beads while waiting for business on a sweltering street corner. "But if they leave, there will be no security. We want the Americans to form an Iraqi government, so they can go."

Amnesty criticizes U.S. interrogations: "An Iraqi businessman detained during a raid on his home says U.S. interrogators deprived him of sleep, forced him to kneel naked and kept him bound hand and foot with a bag over his head for eight days."

Israel offers Bethlehem to Palestinians: "Israel agreed to return the West Bank town of Bethlehem to Palestinian control after its pullback Monday from the Gaza Strip, crucial steps that advance a U.S.-backed "road map" to Palestinian statehood and raise hopes that 33 months of violence may be nearing an end."

Palestinians in Gaza town seek new start: "Packing a holstered pistol and a no-nonsense look, a commander from Yasser Arafat's presidential guard kept watch Monday for Islamic militants who in the past have fired crude rockets into Israel from this farming village."

Amnesty Criticizes U.S. Interrogations: "An Iraqi businessman detained during a raid on his home says U.S. interrogators deprived him of sleep, forced him to kneel naked and kept him bound hand and foot with a bag over his head for eight days. (AP)"

An Iraqi businessman detained during a raid on his home says U.S. interrogators deprived him of sleep, forced him to kneel naked and kept him bound hand and foot with a bag over his head for eight days. Khraisan al-Abally's story, told to an Associated Press correspondent, comes as an Amnesty International report released Monday harshly criticizes American interrogation techniques. A U.S. Army officer confirmed receiving a complaint from al-Abally, but coalition officials declined to discuss his account. The activist group Human Rights Watch said it was trying to corroborate his story.

Insurgents fired a rocket propelled grenade at a military vehicle in the restive town of Fallujah, injuring an "embedded'' reporter with NBC News, the military said Monday. Three Iraqis were killed when their pickup truck slammed into a vehicle helping evacuate the wounded reporter.

An ammunition dump has exploded in Iraq, killing at least 25 people, according to reports. Many of the dead were said to have been looting the site at the time, looking for artillery casings to sell. Local residents quoted by Reuters news agency said scores of people were also injured in the blast, which happened in a desert area near the town of Haditha, about 260 kilometres (160 miles) north-east of the capital, Baghdad. A spokesman for US Central Command in Baghdad said that the dump was Iraqi, not American. Because of that, he said, US forces in the area were not taking responsibility for caring for the wounded.

Grenades slam into U.S. vehicles in Iraq: "Rocket-propelled grenades slammed into U.S. military vehicles in two attacks in and around Baghdad on Tuesday, and a massive explosion at a mosque in the town of Fallujah killed at least five Iraqis and injured four others."

Mideast leaders to meet in peace push: "Israeli army trucks moved equipment Tuesday from a base near Bethlehem ahead of a planned withdrawal from the West Bank town, as the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers prepared to discuss their next peace moves."

"We're coming with a mighty force to end the reign of your
oppressors," Bush said, addressing Iraqis who might be
listening from afar. "We are coming to bring you food and
medicine and a better life. And we are coming and we will
not stop, we will not relent until your country is free."
We are very proud of you,Keep your helmet on!

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